Johnnie Walker XR 23 Years Old (75cl, 40%)

John Walker & Sons XR 23 Year Old is a special edition blended Scotch bottled at 40% ABV in a 75cl bottle. It combines malt and grain whisky, including some rare Brora, with malts from Cragganmore and Linkwood and grain from Port Dundas, a Glasgow distillery that is now silent. It is a well-spiced, wintery blend, with sticky toffee, Christmas cake and raisins alongside vanilla, cinnamon and a little cardamom. On the nose there are orchid and peony blooms, spiced apple and soft aromatic teas, then sweet coconut. The palate is warm and sweet, with spiced vanilla, dark chocolate and coconut cream, before gentle wood spice and soft smoke. The finish is long and warming, with toffee and tropical fruit.